Posture
Posture communicates non-verbal signals: relaxed posture suggests confidence, shrunken posture suggests resignation, and erect posture suggests dominance or military training.
THE IDEA
Posture
If on the one hand, you have a relaxed, natural but not slack posture, other people often get the impression that you are self-confident. If on the other hand, you have a shrunken posture, it can be interpreted as resignation and disappointment. If you have an erect, somewhat wooden posture, people can believe that this is a signal of dominance; in other words, you demand respect from those around you. However, it could also be an indication that you were trained at a military academy.
When to use it
During a job interview, adopt a relaxed but upright posture to convey confidence without arrogance.
In a negotiation, observe the other party's posture to gauge their emotional state (e.g., resignation vs. dominance).
When giving a presentation, use open, balanced posture to engage the audience and appear trustworthy.
In a team meeting, avoid a shrunken posture to prevent signaling disappointment or lack of interest.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Relaxed and Natural Posture
A person stands with relaxed shoulders, a slight smile, and an open stance. Others perceive them as confident and approachable.
Erect Wooden Posture
A person stands with a stiff spine, their chest out, and minimal movement. Others may interpret this as dominance, or as a sign of military training.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent social interaction: what posture did you adopt, and how might it have influenced the other person's perception?
How could you consciously adjust your posture to project more confidence in a job interview?
In what situations might an erect posture be misinterpreted as aggression rather than dominance?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)